Gauri Khan's Restaurant Torii Responds to Paneer Quality Controversy
Clarification from Torii on Paneer Allegations
Gauri Khan’s high-end restaurant, Torii, located in Mumbai, has responded to accusations regarding the use of adulterated paneer, asserting that these claims are baseless and stem from a misunderstanding of food chemistry. The controversy began when a YouTuber shared a video on social media, showcasing his visits to various celebrity-owned eateries in Mumbai to assess the quality of paneer using iodine tincture.
Among the restaurants featured were Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune and Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian. The YouTuber tested paneer samples at each venue by applying iodine to check for any color changes, which typically indicate the presence of starch. While the paneer from the other establishments showed no reaction, a dish at Torii darkened upon exposure to iodine.
In the video, the YouTuber remarked, “Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the (Shah Rukh Khan’s restaurant is selling fake paneer.)!” In response, Torii, co-owned by interior designer Gauri Khan, released a statement clarifying the science behind the iodine reaction. They explained, “The iodine test indicates starch presence, not the authenticity of the paneer. Given that the dish includes soy-based components, this reaction is anticipated.”